PRE-MILITARY TRAINING OF YOUTH STUDENTS IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM: THE EXPERIENCE OF UKRAINE AND POLAND

Abstract

Given the current geopolitical situation caused by Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, the issue of forming a sustainable civilian reserve is highly relevant. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of pre-military training models for students in the higher education systems of Ukraine and Poland. It has been determined that introducing basic general military training in higher education institutions is a response to the need to form a mass-trained reserve capable of quickly adapting to wartime conditions and performing tasks to defend the state. It has been found that, institutionally, the basic general military training program is implemented in coordination between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine: the Ministry of Education and Science ensures the implementation of the theoretical course within educational programs, while the Ministry of Defense organizes practical training at military units/training centers and communicates key organizational requirements. It has been established that Ukraine has chosen to integrate military training into compulsory education, effectively introducing general military training for all citizens with higher education. In turn, it has been established that Poland has introduced voluntary military training within the university community, which is an example of the classic model of reserve officer training but adapted to its own system. The study found that both models aim to strengthen defense capabilities through reservist training, but the scale and methods differ. A comparative analysis has established that the pre-military training of students in the higher education systems of Ukraine and Poland reflects the national security context and strategic priorities of the respective states. Ukraine, at war, implements a comprehensive defense approach, while Poland uses “smart mobilization” tools to attract a limited but trained and motivated segment of young people. It has been established that a common feature of these models is the tendency towards convergence of education and security policies, which aligns with the modern concept of comprehensive defense.